Is a Temporary Career Change a Good Idea?

As Bob Dylan once said, the times they are a-changin'. According to a March 2008 poll conducted by CNN, nearly three-quarters of Americans agree that the United States currently faces a financial recession. Times of economic upheaval may seem scary: industries can shrivel, company layoffs can increase, and job opportunities might be shaky.

• Do you want a different job or a completely new career? If you simply dislike your boss or your company is not paying what you're worth, you may be able to transfer to a full-time position with another company. If you are fed up with the entire industry, it could be time for a total career shift.
• Do you know your strengths? If you are a persuasive communicator, you might excel in sales-related jobs or management positions. If you prefer autonomy, look into jobs that allow you to be your own boss. To help you identify your job-oriented talents, consider visiting a career counselor.
• Have you done thorough research? If you are truly serious about switching careers, interview a number of people already employed in your area of interest. You can also gather useful information by reading trade journals and books related to your desired career.

What is a Temporary Job?
Some people perceive temp jobs as frustrating and unsatisfying. Actually, the opposite is true. According to a recent study by the San Diego Union-Tribune, 88% of temp workers are satisfied with their jobs. Whether you aim to change careers or simply want to find a part-time job to supplement your income, contract jobs can be a rewarding step toward achieving your career goals.

Advantages of a Contract Job

• Choices: temporary employment typically allows you to pick your job, desired salary, and work hours. Also, temp jobs can let you take time off between gigs (although vacation time may be unpaid).
• Variety: with temp jobs, your only limitations are your imagination and your talents. For example, if you have a management background but wish to investigate a field with less responsibility, a temporary teaching assistant position may be the answer.
• Networking: contract jobs can help you forge many new professional contacts. If you enjoy the institution you temp for, you may even secure permanent employment. Around 42% of contract workers receive permanent job offers through temping.

Possible Drawbacks of a Contract Job

• Low job security: temporary contracts are a two-way street. Not only do contract agreements allow workers to leave at any time, they also allow employers to freely release temporary employees. In fact, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the average temp job lasts only fifteen weeks.
• Minimal benefits: Many temp agencies do not offer paid vacations, holidays, or healthcare plans. However, more than half of temp agencies offer retirement benefits. Research your temp agency's benefits package so that you can make an informed choice before accepting any positions.
• Limited training: because temporary positions are often short-lived, many employers and agencies provide employees with minimal training. If you are serious about turning your temp job into a career, you need to be self-motivated. To maximize your on-the-job training, make sure to take on extra tasks and ask plenty of questions.

The Future of Temporary Employment
While the recent economic slump may cause a slight lag in temporary jobs, overall employment prospects should still hold strong for temp workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment services industry should gain nearly 700,000 new jobs by 2016. The need for contract workers in the healthcare industry should be especially large, due to the aging baby boomer population and the high job turnover rate in health facilities across the country. Other fields projected to have great demand for temp workers include transportation, office and administrative support, production, engineering, and management. Although you can find a decent contract job with only a high-school degree, your chances increase substantially if you have a college education and specialized job skills.

Remember, career changes can be scary, even with the help of a temp agency. As you explore your job options, take advantage of the supportive network provided by family and friends. Also, you might consider working with several different temporary agencies to increase your job possibilities.